Cavalier Talk

Syringomyelia (SM): is a condition in which fluid-filled cavities develop within the spinal cord near the brain.  It is also known as “neck scratcher’s disease”, because one of its common signs is scratching in the air near the neck. The back half of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s skull typically may be too small to accommodate all of the brain’s cerebellum, and so it squeezes through the foramen magnum – the hole at the back of the skull – partially blocking the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) down the spinal cord. The variable pressure created by the abnormal flow of CSF is believed to create the SM cavities – called syrinx – in the spinal cord. Each Cavalier King Charles Spaniel diagnosed with SM may have a different degree of symptoms and degree of pain associated with the disorder. There are no genetic markers through DNA evaluation at this time. Some breeders and specialists have begun studies using MRI testing, but the specialists have not come up with a uniform grading of the MRI results so the MRI testing is still in its beginning stages as well. MRI testing can be upwards of $1000 - $2000 per dog and some specialists require a minimum of 5 dogs before they will even offer the MRI testing. Due to the cost and the lack of uniform grading many breeders cannot afford to test for this disorder at this time. Foundations all around the world are doing clinical trials and trying to study this disorder so hopefully in the near future there will be more information to guide breeders in an attempt to breed away from this disorder.

For more information on Cavalier King Charles Spaniels please visit our website at www.cruisincavaliers.com